This weekend I learned that Tom Ramey has resigned from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. Tom has been involved with the CBB for more than 17 years, most recently as CEO. I am shocked and saddened. But knowing at least some of what Tom has been going through as CEO in the last year or so I can understand. As the Beef Board Blogger for the last 6 years I have had the honor and pleasure to work with Tom and his staff. I think very highly of the man and wish him and his family the absolute best as he moves to the next step in a fine career. I also look forward to continuing to work with the CBB staff. Polly, you’ve got a full plate! ZimmComm supports America’s beef producers and the Beef Checkoff. Just call on us anytime to help in any way we can.
Here’s the official statement from CBB on Tom’s resignation:
Statement By CBB Executive Committee
From Wesley Grau, Chairman, CBB Executive Committee
June 29, 2011
After more than 17 years of committed service to the beef checkoff, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) Executive Committee yesterday reluctantly accepted Chief Executive Officer Tom Ramey’s resignation. Tom served as both the Cattlemen’s Beef Board chief financial officer and, most recently, as chief executive officer. In his role as CEO, Tom was responsible for developing and leading a team of experienced and dedicated individuals who work every day for the checkoff. Tom also worked tirelessly to provide detailed oversight of checkoff expenditures, and recently spearheaded the effort to rewrite Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s operating guidelines to clarify contractor responsibilities.
The Executive Committee has asked Polly Ruhland to act as interim CEO for the present time. After more than 20 years in the beef industry, Polly was most recently CBB’s vice president of planning and evaluation, and before that served in several senior staff positions at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Through this experience, she understands both the beef checkoff oversight and contractor roles, and is highly qualified to help us move the checkoff forward in its goal to build demand for beef.
We appreciate that Tom’s decision to resign was a personal one for him and his family, and we thank him for his dedication to the nation’s farmers and ranchers through his service to the beef checkoff.